WHEN Carlton needed a lift in Mitch McGovern’s 50th game, it was the new Blue who took matters upon himself.

And despite coming up short on the scoreboard, he was full of praise for the fight shown by the collective in the 16-point defeat at Adelaide Oval.

The Blues battled both the elements and the early loss of forward Charlie Curnow, with McGovern stepping up alongside Harry McKay.

Speaking post-match, McGovern was impressed by the competitiveness shown by the Blues, as well as their ability to respond to the Power’s second-quarter surge.

It’s something he believes will be extremely important for next week’s game against the Swans.

“We were pretty good most of the game, really competitive and we adapted well in that third quarter to the conditions,” McGovern said.

“We competed really hard, but I think they just got the better of us late in that game.

“A few fumbly mistakes cost us a bit, but it was a good learning for us.”

While the win wasn’t meant to be for the milestone man, McGovern still enjoyed being able to run out in front of family and friends at the ground where he played the majority of his 50 games.

And against an opponent he knows all too well, he didn’t exactly get an endearing welcome in the state where he made his name on the AFL stage.

“It was pretty weird,” he said.

“I loved when I ran out and took my first mark and got the boos. That was good fun.

“I love this stadium, I love the Adelaide Oval, so it was good fun to actually be back in front of my partner’s family and friends to play my 50th.”

In his second game in the Navy Blue, the 24-year old was able to combine well with McKay in the forward line.

The duo combined for four of Carlton’s 11 goals, with McGovern using a combination of his pressure and aerial ability to worry Port Adelaide’s defenders.

“I’ve always felt welcome and fitted right in with that forward line with the big boys down there, and even the young fellas helping me out,” he said.

“It’s been good fun and I’m looking forward to what’s to come.”

The 50-gamer was also a massive asset to the team during Port Adelaide’s second quarter surge, able to drift down back and provide additional support to Carlton’s backline.

“That’s something that kind of came up throughout the game,” McGovern said.

“It’s always going to happen from time to time. Bolts sort of gave me that message when I first got to the footy club that I might find myself swinging back a bit and I’m more than happy to do what the team needs at the time.”